Sizing Up Problems

Ariana Dekeon

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Sizing Up Problems

How big is the problem?

This lesson helps students understand how to assess the size of a problem by engaging them in a discussion and a collaborative activity. Understanding the size of a problem is crucial for developing problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence, as it helps students prioritize and respond appropriately to different situations.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

15 mins

Approach

Active Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Discussion Questions, and Problem Size Activity Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

3 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what a problem is.
Ask students if all problems are the same size or if some are bigger than others.
Introduce the concept of assessing the size of a problem.

Step 2

Discussion

4 mins

Use the provided discussion questions to guide students in thinking about different types of problems.
Encourage students to share examples of small, medium, and large problems they have encountered.

Step 3

Collaborative Activity

6 mins

Distribute the Problem Size Activity Worksheet.
In pairs, have students categorize a list of problems as small, medium, or large.
Encourage students to discuss their reasoning with their partner.

Step 4

Closure

2 mins

Ask a few pairs to share their categorizations and reasoning with the class.
Summarize the importance of understanding problem size in everyday life.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions

A set of questions to guide a discussion on the size of problems.

What makes a problem big or small?

Encourage students to think about the impact, duration, and resources needed to solve the problem.

Can you think of a small problem you faced recently?

Guide students to share personal experiences and discuss why they consider it small.

What about a big problem?

Help students identify characteristics of larger problems and share examples.

Worksheet

Problem Size Activity Worksheet

A worksheet for students to categorize problems as small, medium, or large.

List of problems: Losing a pencil, Missing the bus, A friend is upset with you, A family member is sick, Forgetting homework, A natural disaster.

Discuss with your partner and decide if each problem is small, medium, or large.